How to Choose a Replacement Door Lock
Door locks are your home's most crucial security feature. When they start to wear out or are damaged it's time to replace them.
It can also be an excellent method to refresh your interior decor, or provide an element of security after divorce or an unmarried family. Learn the fundamentals of installing a replacement door lock.
Replacement vs. Rekeying
The change of locks can increase the security of your home. It is crucial to consider the advantages and disadvantages of replacing locks versus rekeying them.
Rekeying is a better option if you don't want to replace your entire lockset. It's a quicker and cheaper procedure than replacing all of your locks, as it is only changing the key pins inside the cylinder, not changing the entire lock. Rekeying locks could make them operate with different keys. This will eliminate the old ones and make it harder for anyone else to gain entry to your office or home.
This is a popular choice for new homeowners who want to ensure that the previous owners or anyone else with copies of the keys cannot enter the property without being caught. It is also beneficial for those who are worried about a mischievous office worker, since they can use it to prevent them from gaining access to sensitive information or areas of the building.
Rekeying has limited benefits for security. Rekeying doesn't do much to stop people from physically forcing their way into an apartment but it won't stop them if they manage to force their entry however. If you're concerned about this, think about changing to a deadbolt instead of simply rekeying your locks.
Rekeying locks could be required if your locks have been taken. It's a regular occurrence for businesses and it is crucial to act quickly when it happens. By rekeying your locks you'll be able stop those who have stolen them from accessing sensitive areas of the company. It will also allow you to have the chance to file a police report in case there is a problem.
The best reason to replace locks is when they're damaged or broken beyond repair. This can be as simple as a bolt stuck that won't budge or a damaged handle that won't let you open. It could also be a good idea to change out your locks if they're constructed of cheap hardware that is easily tampered with like a door knob or lever with spring-loaded latches that can be easily bypassed with a credit card.
Take a look at your door
You must first be aware of the dimensions of your door before you select the lock. You can determine these dimensions using the tape, a pencil or pen. Utilizing your fingers or an arm's length is extremely inaccurate and will give you the incorrect measurements. Start by measuring the width of the door from the bottom middle to the top. Don't include the frame. You can also determine the height from floor to threshold (for interior doors) or up to the top of the inner portion of the frame.
If your door is predrilled for mortise locking systems you'll need to take some extra measurements. The backset is measured from the edge of your door to the center hole. Most common backsets are 1" and 2" (or 44mm and 57mm). You'll need to measure the depth of your hole inside the door once you've decided on the location of your deadbolt. This is measured between the edges of the opening and the centerline of the latch actuating hole for new installations, or from the bottom to the top of a strike for openings that are already in place.
Finally, you'll need to decide whether your new door is going to be out-swinging or in-swinging. This is crucial because certain locks require a certain installation method based on the direction of the swing.
Now that double glazed window lock repairs RepairMyWindowsAndDoors got all of your measurements now is the time to start shopping for your replacement lock! Be sure to keep all of your measurements on hand and bring them along when you go in to select a lock. This will ensure you get the perfect fit and your door is beautiful! Best of luck and have fun shopping! If you have any questions, feel free to contact us! We're always ready to assist! We're open from Monday through Saturday, from 10AM to 6PM. You can also contact us on Facebook or Twitter. We are looking forward to hearing from you!
Find the Lock that is Right for You
You'll want to choose the appropriate lock for your home. The best locks will be high-quality, and will deter thieves. Grade 1 locks are the strongest and recommended for front doors.
The best place to start is the website of the manufacturer. The majority of manufacturers will offer complete installation instructions as along with a customer support hotline. They'll also give you recommendations on how to install the product on your door. This will give you an idea of whether or not this is a project you can do it yourself or if you'll require assistance from a professional.
It is important to ensure you have the proper dimension of the keyhole to install an entirely new lock. If the keyhole is too small it will have to be expanded or you might want to consider the design of your lock. You'll also have to think about the thickness of your door as not all deadbolts fit all doors. They're usually measured at 2 3/8 inches or 2 3/4 inches but you will need to find a deadbolt that is suitable for your door.
The materials used in a lock are also important to take into consideration. You don't have to purchase an inexpensive lock as it is possible for a burglar to break into your Burlington home. Choose locks that are rated with the BHMA (Builder Hardware Manufacturers Association) and is rated the highest in quality.
You may need to check the security rating of the knob and lever on your door if you have a more modern door to ensure they meet your needs. This is particularly true if you have kids living in the house, or if the previous owners have keys to your home.
Replacing your locks is a easy DIY project. You can replace your locks within an hour with the proper tools. It's also a great option to freshen up the look of your home without breaking the bank. You can also rest assured that you and your family are secure.
Install the Lock
Your front door is the entry point to your Burlington, MA, home where you store what's most important to you. You want to safeguard your family, pets, or things. If your lock isn't performing its job, it's time to replace it.
It's more expensive to replace your lock than to rekey it, but you get the added benefit of locking your door in the frame. Deadbolts are impossible to pull or pick and the length of the bolt makes it harder for thieves to gain access using a wrench. Get help from a locksmith when you're not sure what type of lock is right for your door.
Before installing the new lock, you'll have to remove the lock you have already installed from the door. First, unscrew the interior screws that secure the handle section to the lock sections on the outside. Then you will need a screw driver to pull the two lock halves apart. Then, you can take the old knob and latch from the door.
When installing your new door lock be sure to install it correctly. The latch should sit in the opening of the latch plate and have a tapered end that is fitted into the hole for the turning lock. Be sure to align the holes for screws to the deadbolt and latch on the inside of the door with the receiving rods on the interior side of the door. This will allow screws to thread into the correct position and prevent them from loosing over time.
If you're using the same lock you can leave the strike plate and latch plate in place. Compare them to the new lock and, if you discover that they're not the right fit then purchase replacements.
Once you have the new hardware in place, it's time to install the lock. Begin by placing the deadbolt in the correct location. When you do this pay particular attention to the "up" mark on the deadbolt. This will assist you in locating it on the right-hand side of the door. Then, you can screw the interior and exterior plates together with the long screws that come with the new lock.